Javon Jackson

Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson is an adept improviser with a warm tone and style that straddle aggressive, acoustic post-bop and funky soul-jazz. Jackson first gained attention as one of the final members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers before releasing his own albums, including 1991's Me and Mr. Jones on Criss Cross, 1996's A Look Within on Blue Note, and 2006's Now on Palmetto. Along with teaching at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, he has recorded with Les McCann and in a trio with Ron Carter and Billy Drummond. Launching his own Solid Jackson Records, he released 2022's The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni and 2024's Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies, both featuring the acclaimed poet/activist herself. He also supplied the soundtrack to the art documentary With Peter Bradley and explored the music of Bob Dylan on 2026's Jackson Plays Dylan.